Specialized drilling systems set new world records in high-angle holes
Sound well planning and carefully chosen drilling systems have proved successful in completing two high-angle holes through troublesome formations in the Gippsland basin offshore Victoria, Australia. Located about 60 miles (97 km) out in the Bass Strait, Mackerel Wells A-14 and A-16 set new records for being the longest horizontal displacement wells drilled to an angle of up to 72/sup 0/ (1.26 rad) to the vertical. Both wells are producing oil from a previously fault-isolated reservoir southwest of the platform. The use of invert oil emulsion and aluminum drill pipe represented a significant change from normal Bass Strait drilling operations. This, in conjunction with tightly controlled angle buildup and directional control, ensured that the projected well paths were achieved. Completion procedures peculiar to highly deviated holes also were employed to bring the wells on stream successfully. A ''controlled activity'' oil-continuous mud system was chosen to alleviate problems associated with shale hydration and to increase wellbore lubricity. Rig modifications for cuttings disposal were essential before mud systems could be changed over. In combination with aluminum drill pipe for reduced string weight (Well A-16), the oil mud helped minimize torque, drag, and wall-sticking tendencies. With similar drilling systems and well-planned completion techniques, the drilling of high-angle holes will play a vital role in deepwater development.
- Research Organization:
- Dresser Australia Pty. Ltd.
- OSTI ID:
- 6604153
- Journal Information:
- J. Pet. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 36:2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
03 NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
WELL DRILLING
OIL WELLS
ALUMINIUM
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CUTTINGS REMOVAL
DRILL PIPES
DRILLING FLUIDS
EMULSIONS
OFFSHORE SITES
PROCESS CONTROL
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
WELL COMPLETION
COLLOIDS
CONTROL
DISPERSIONS
DRILLING
DRILLING EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTS
ENGINEERING
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
METALS
PIPES
REMOVAL
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
030300 - Natural Gas- Drilling
Production
& Processing